WineNZ Summer 2019-20

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Jo and David have applied
sustainable practices from
day one – from a light-touch
approach to spraying through to
using sheep to control undervine
weeds and leaf plucking. They
also use seaweed teas as foliar
fertiliser and conduct regular
soil testing to confirm that they
are having a positive effect on
the vineyard. The outcome is a
minimal intervention approach
that produces very clean fruit.
The wines have been made
at Margrain Vineyard by Strat
Canning for the past twelve
years. David and Strat have
a great working relationship,
discussing styles prior to
each vintage and making
subtle tweaks to suit fruit and
production. Strat is an innovative
winemaker and has been happy
to work with David’s penchant
for experimentation. Strat also
tolerates David operating as
Chief Apprentice during vintage.
This year’s sauvignon blanc
is a great example of the
complimentary approach
enjoyed by Strat and David. Jo
and David had made a trip to
the Peljesac Peninsula in Croatia
earlier in the year. They came
across a tiny winery feeding
grapes through a crusher on
the side of the road, with the
must chilled with a couple of
bags of ice. Using a mix of sign
language and broken English,
David was able to establish that
the aromatic grapes received
up to seven days skin contact.
Several tastings confirmed that
the wine did not lack for finesse
or character. On his return to
Martinborough, David discussed
the idea with Strat. Not wishing to
go down the orange wine road,
they agreed that an overnight
soak on the skins would be a
good start. The result is, of course,
the wine that features this month.
This wine might be recognised
as a little closer to the traditional
New Zealand Sauvignon
overlaid with Martinborough
characteristics. It shows
passionfruit and pineapple on
the nose continuing through to
the palate without any harsh
acidity. To have our wine stand
alongside the multi-trophy
winning Seifried Sauvignon Blanc
is somewhat humbling.
Jo and David have been
resident on the Vineyard since
2009. They are in the process of
establishing accommodation
on site so that they can host
visitors amongst the vines. There
is a cellar door with tastings
available most weekends and
every day during the Christmas
period. David likes nothing better
than a conversation about wine,
preferably with a glass in hand.
He can also tell you the story
behind the distinctive paper doll
label and elucidate on the merits
of living in a house with three
daughters.
Address: 214 Dry River Road
Martinborough
Available on line:
www.hamdendenestate.co.nz
e-mail:info@hamdenestate.co.nz
Wines available online,at the
cellar door (open weekends
and by appointment) and
Martinborough Wine Merchants.
www.winenzmagazine.co.nz
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